The department is strong because some officers have more than 20 years of experience in the community, he said.

"Our goal is to build off the knowledge and the quality of the folks we have in the department," he said. "The public safety and the needs of the city will be met just as seamlessly as it would on Monday."

Rogers came to Yoakum from Orange Grove, where he retired as the police chief.

Before that, he spent 21 years at the city of Kingsville, some of that time as the assistant police chief, according to Victoria Advocate archives.

His telephone number was not listed, and his cellphone number was not available.

Mayor Anita Rodriguez could not be reached Thursday afternoon for comment.

City Councilman Tim Faulkner said the city manager, who is charge of hiring and firing personnel, did not consult them before reaching his decision.

"I respect the decision, and I would be remiss if I said why (he was fired). That's between the city manager and Mr. Rogers. I really don't know the details and, quite frankly, don't need to unless there's a need for me to know," Faulkner said.

Faulkner, who said no resident has come before the City Council to complain about the police chief, anticipates there will be lots of interest in the position. While Yoakum has "its share of small-town crime," it also has a good quality of life.

"The position is not a revolving door. It's not something where you come here, and you might last a year, and you might not," Faulkner said.